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INTENTION : |
That those from diverse religious traditions and all people of good will may work together for peace.
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In many Asian countries in which Christianity is a minority religion, it is impossible for the Church to work for peace unless she admits the fact that religious plurality and cultural differences are the reality of the people. Since the Church clearly acknowledges this reality, she will have a strong foundation to invite any person or group of different religions, faith traditions, and cultural backgrounds to work together for peace. Experiences tell us that it is not easy for many religions to acknowledge the reality of plurality. Every religion and faith tradition tends to defend offensively and even claim arrogantly that its faith is the ultimate truth rather than accept and recognize that the truth also exists in other religions.
However experiences also tell us that we can overcome this rigidity gradually through working together on concrete projects and real collaborations instead of having intellectual dialogues and discussions at mere theological levels. These interreligious collaborations are evident in Indonesia. The four major religions - Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism - and Confucianism try to collaborate at the level of humanitarian projects such as helping those people who suffer from natural disasters. Groups of people from different religions work together in helping those victims by setting aside their differences among themselves. They are moved by the suffering of others and are naturally drawn to be united by human empathy. They help these victims with sincere love. These days the leaders of the religions have become aware of the ecological crises the world is facing and also about the sustainability of the environment. These religious leaders have been saddened by the escalating degradation of the environmental quality that has been brought about by the exploitations of selfish people. Mother Earth cries out but will she be saved by those human beings who are able to unite themselves despite their religious differences? Finally they come together to stand against violence and help those victims to seek justice regardless of their beliefs. In dealing with violence they are being reminded that violence is evil and failing to uphold those values of human life and rights can only bring about destruction of life. It is the duty, then, of all peoples from all religions to overcome violence.
G.P. Sindhunata, S.J.
National Director of Apostleship of Prayer of Indonesia
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